MINUTES OF A REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE
MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE TOWN OF VIDALIA, LOUISIANA,
HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
IN THE TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM, 200 VERNON STEVENS BLVD.,
VIDALIA, LOUISIANA
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Vidalia, Louisiana, met, in regular session, in the Town Hall Meeting Room on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
There were present: Mayor Buz Craft, Aldermen Jon Betts, Tron McCoy, Brent Smith, Robert Gardner, and Tommy Probst.
There were also present: Piara Wilson, Municipal Clerk; Brad Burget representative of Smith, Taliaferro & Purvis Law Firm; Jay LaSyone, Chief Administrative Officer; and members of the press.
There were absent: Debra Moak, Chief Financial Officer.
The meeting was opened by the Mayor and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present, followed by the invocation given by Alderman Betts.
A quorum being present, the Mayor declared the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Vidalia, Louisiana, to be duly convened, in regular session, as the governing authority of said municipality, and opened the meeting for the conduct of business.
After being reviewed, the typed minutes of the regular town meeting of August 12, 2025, along with special town meetings of August 18 & 21, 2025, were approved with no changes. The motion for the approval of the minutes was made by Alderman Gardner, seconded by Alderman Probst, and unanimously carried.
The Mayor then asked if anyone had comments on current agenda items. Noting that no one had any questions or comments, he advised that he would continue with the formal agenda.
Agenda Item No. 1 was the presentation of the financial statement for July, 2025. The Mayor explained the absence of Debra Moak, explaining that in 9 years, she had not missed a meeting. He then gave the financial statement prepared by Municipal Accountant, Debra Moak, CPA. The financial statement as of July 31, 2025 included a balance sheet with statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance for the month. Combined cash, including restricted funds in the Hydro Fund and Sales Tax Fund revenues. Total assets, total liabilities and bond balance. The Mayor also stated that Silas Simmons has been engaged to perform the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. There were no questions, the Mayor moved on to the next agenda item.
Agenda Item No. 2 was Board discussion and vote on approval of sign applications. There only being one application by Daniel Reed to advertise Living Hope Montessori School in Vidalia, La., on the corner of Carter and Cedar Street, a motion to grant the application was made by Alderman McCoy, seconded by Alderman Betts, and unanimously carried.
Agenda Item No. 3 was Board discussion and approval of a resolution authorizing the Town of Vidalia to enter into an agreement with the State of Louisiana and DOTD for assistance in the implementation of a sidewalk project (VSASP) and to designate Samuel Davis as Responsible Charge. The Mayor explained that this was a project that had been approved previously by the Board and that the previous person whom was designated as being the responsible charge is no longer with the Town. He also explained that in order to continue with the grant and to move forward, that the Town must designate another person to be responsible charge. His recommendation was Samuel Davis whom is now the Grant Writer for the Town of Vidalia. There being no discussion, a motion to approve Samuel Davis as the responsible charge was made by Alderman McCoy, seconded by Alderman Smith and unanimously carried.
(A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF).
Agenda Item No. 4 was Board discussion and approval on a Resolution authorizing Town of Vidalia to submit a Capital Outlay request for utility system upgrades for 2026-2027. The Mayor explained the need for the Resolution and, following that explanation, a motion was offered by Alderman Probst, seconded by Alderman Gardner, and unanimously carried, authorizing the Town of Vidalia to submit a Capital Outlay request for utility system upgrades, as presented at the meeting.
(A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF).
Agenda Item No. 5 was Board discussion and approval on a Resolution authorizing Town of Vidalia to submit a Capital Outlay request for Vidalia Port Facility for 2026-2027. The Mayor explained the need for the Resolution and, following that explanation, a motion was offered by Alderman Gardner, seconded by Alderman Betts, and unanimously carried, authorizing the Town of Vidalia to submit a Capital Outlay request for utility system upgrades, as presented at the meeting.
(A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF).
Agenda Item No. 6 was Board discussion and vote of approval on a resolution certifying compliance with the Public Bid Law for State Project No. H. 015189, Vidalia Slough Pump Station. The Mayor explained the need for this resolution, stating that the resolution implies that the Town followed all State Laws with the bidding process for this project. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Alderman Gardner, seconded by Alderman Probst and unanimously carried.
Agenda Item No. 7 was Board discussion and approval for Vidalia Police Department Personnel, Emilee Tarver as a Full Time Dispatcher. Being no discussion, a motion to approve was made by Alderman Betts, seconded by Alderman McCoy and unanimously carried.
Agenda Item No. 8 was Introduction of an Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 664 Respecting and Enforcement of Health, Safety, and Welfare of the Town of Vidalia, Louisiana and for Administrative Adjudication of Public Health, Housing, Fire Code, and Environmental Violations of the Town of Vidalia, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Vidalia, Louisiana by Amending Section 2 B, Paragraph 3. The Mayor noted that this was only an introduction and no action was need. He proceeding on to the next agenda item.
(A COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF)
Agenda Item No. 9 was Board discussion and vote on determination and fixing of the amount of excess Hydroelectric Revenues to be distributed as rebates to the retail utility customers of the Town of Vidalia. The Mayor again explained the procedures to be followed for the Board to determine and fix the amount of excess Hydro Revenues to be distributed as rebates to the retail electric customers of the Town of Vidalia. They Mayor also stated that since 2016, his administration has approved $16,660,322 back to the citizens. Following his explanation, there being no questions or comments, a motion to fix the amount of excess Hydroelectric Revenues to be distributed as rebates to the retail utility customers of the Town of Vidalia at the maximum of 50% was made by Alderman Gardner, seconded by Alderman Probst, and unanimously carried.
Agenda Item No. 10 was Board discussion and vote of approval of funding from excess Hydroelectric revenues for Town Projects at public hearings held August 18, 2025 and August 21, 2025. During discussion, the Mayor went through an extensive list of proposed projects offered by himself and members of the Board. Some of the projects do not have a definite price and some would have to be completed in phases. Projects consisted of but not limited to Tree Removal Projects, an LED Christmas Tree, Repairs to Council on Aging Building, Polk Park, Skateboard Park, Pavilion and Farmers Market, Vietnam Memorial Wall, Turf and Field for Special Needs, Trash Can Program, along with public7project requests. A motion was made by Alderman McCoy to approve the accepted projects and table the others for 90 days to gather additional information; seconded by Alderman Gardner in which a roll call vote was taken as follows; YAYS: Alderman Betts, Alderman Gardner, Alderman McCoy, Alderman Probst and Alderman Smith; NAYS: NONE. The motion carried.
(A COPY OF THE APPROVED HYDRO PROJECTS IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF)
Agenda Item No. 11 was Mayor updates. The Mayor gave an update on the Slough Project, Sinkhole, Transmission Lines, Polk Park, Bridge Lights, and the Water Plant. The Mayor also raised a discussion on Halloween as to which date it should be celebrated on being that Halloween is on a Friday night and asked the Board to take into consideration of the local football games. He stated that public input would be gathered via Facebook and coordination with Natchez will be attempted. There was also a discussion on new businesses such as Airbnb’s that are in Town and requesting to be in Town. The Mayor stated that currently, there are no specific codes addressing Airbnb’s. There is a need to determine if the Board wants the Board of Adjustments to review the request and gather neighbor feedback, along with a question as to what are other communities doing regarding Airbnb regulations. It was determined that the Board will discuss and work on the Airbnb issue and gather more information.
Before adjourning, the Mayor stated that he wanted to add an item to the Agenda, which would need an unanimous vote. The Mayor asked for a motion to add an Agenda item for the sell of beer at the Rivefront during the Balloon Festival. A motion was made by Alderman Smith to add the Agenda item, seconded by Alderman McCoy and unanimously carried. The Mayor stated that the beer sales would be conducted by licensed vendors, similar to the convention center. The event aims to provide free activities for citizens and raise money for the festival. After discussion, a motion was made by Alderman McCoy to approve the beer sales, addressing the time frame later after consulting with the organizer, seconded by Alderman Probst and unanimously carried.
Agenda Item No. 12 was adjournment. The Mayor noting that there was no further agenda items, asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Gardner, seconded by Alderman Probst, and unanimously carried.
/s/ Piara Wilson_________________ s/ Buz Craft________________
PIARA WILSON, MUNICIPAL CLERK BUZ CRAFT, MAYOR
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT
AND DESIGNATION OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN
STATE PROJECT NO __________________
PARISH OF CONCORDIA____________
RESOLUTION
(Town of Vidalia)
A Resolution authorizing the Town of Vidalia to enter into an agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development under the Transportation Alternatives Program for assistance in the implementation of a sidewalk project; providing for the necessary documentation of the need for sidewalk improvement; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has a need for sidewalk improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has reviewed the application for Vidalia Safe Accessible Streets Project (VSASP) and agrees with said agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has applied for State matching funds pursuant to Chapter 47 of Title 34 of the Louisiana Revised Statues of 1950, as amended, to implement a project to improve its operation and Town of Vidalia is fully aware of its obligations under said Statute; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia is a political body duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana and is eligible to apply for funds under said Statute; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Vidalia as follows:
Section 1. That the Town of Vidalia acknowledges that an application was submitted to the Louisiana Transportation Alternatives Program.
Section 2. That at the appropriate time and prior to commencement of work on the project the Town of Vidalia agrees to execute a Project Agreement and a Statement of Sponsorship pursuant to the Statute and hereby authorizes and empowers Samuel Davis, Responsible Charge to enter into and execute said agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Section 3. That Samuel Davis, Responsible Charge is hereby the Authorized Representative for the Town of Vidalia to represent the (Town of Vidalia) with regards to the receipt of funds from the Louisiana Transportation Alternatives Program for the Vidalia Safe Accessible Streets Project (VSASP).
Section 4. That said Authorized Representative shall have the authority to sign and approve all documents that are necessary under the circumstances to accomplish the above project.
/s/ Piara Wilson, Municipal Clerk /s/ Buz Craft MAYOR
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted at a Regular Meeting of The Town of Vidalia, held on the _9th__ Day of September, 2025. In which a quorum was present and voting and that the resolution adopted is still in effect and has not been rescinded or revoked.
Signed at Town of Vidalia On the 9th Day of September 2025
s/ Piara Wilson____________________
CLERK
TOWN OF VIDALIA
2026 - 2027
Capital Outlay Request
Utility System Upgrades
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia is submitting a Capital Outlay request for utility system upgrades, planning, acquisition, construction and equipment improvements through the assistance of Bryant Hammett & Associates, L.L.C.; and
WHEREAS, bond funding, other than state general obligation bond funding, is not available to the Town of Vidalia to fund said project; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has exhausted all efforts at local option funding for said project; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has no budgeted funds for non-recurring appropriations; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has no surplus funding or uncommitted cash available;
SO THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Vidalia does hereby certify to the Commissioner of the Division of Administration that state general obligation bond funding is needed for said project since sufficient funding is not otherwise available to the Town of Vidalia.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by five votes this 9th day of September, 2025.
Town of Vidalia
_/s/ Buz Craft________________________
Mayor
Attest:
/s/ Piara Wilson________________________
Secretary/Treasurer
TOWN OF VIDALIA
2026 - 2027
Capital Outlay Request
Vidalia Port Facility
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia is submitting a Capital Outlay request for acquisition, planning, construction and equipment improvements for the development of a slackwater port on the Mississippi River, through the assistance of Bryant Hammett & Associates, L.L.C.; and
WHEREAS, bond funding, other than state general obligation bond funding, is not available to the Town of Vidalia to fund said project; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has exhausted all efforts at local option funding for said project; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has no budgeted funds for non-recurring appropriations; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vidalia has no surplus funding or uncommitted cash available;
SO THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Vidalia does hereby certify to the Commissioner of the Division of Administration that state general obligation bond funding is needed for said project since sufficient funding is not otherwise available to the Town of Vidalia.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by five votes this 9th day of September, 2025.
Town of Vidalia
/s/ Buz Craft_____________________
Mayor
Attest:
/s/ Piara Wilson____________________
Secretary/Treasurer
RESOLUTION CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH THE PUBLIC BID LAWS
STATE PROJECT NO: H.015189
PARISH OF CONCORDIA
RESOLUTION
Whereas, the Town of Vidalia has solicited bids for State Project No. H.015189, Vidalia Slough Pump Station in accordance with the current bid laws of the state of Louisiana, including, but not limited to R.S. 38:2211 et. seq; and
Whereas, the Town of Vidalia has submitted to DOTD Certification of proof of publication, one (1) copy of the bid proposals and bid bonds as submitted by each of the two (2) lowest bidders, a legible copy of the bid tabulation of all bids received, and certified to be correct by the Engineer and an authorized official of the Sponsor, a copy of the engineer’s recommendation, contract documents, Notice of Award of Contract, and a copy of the recordation data in the Clerk of Court’s Office.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Vidalia, in Regular session, assembled on this 9th day of September, 2025, does hereby certify that the bidding procedures comply with Louisiana Revised Statutes 38:2211, et. seq.
/s/ Piara Wilson /s/ Buz Craft
(CLERK) (MAYOR), Buz Craft)
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is true and correct copy of the resolution adopted at a Regular meeting of the Town of Vidalia held on the 9th Day of September, 2025, in which a quorum was present and voting and that the resolution is still in full effect and has not been rescinded or revoked.
Signed at Town of Vidalia on the 9th Day of September, 2025.
/s/ Piara Wilson
(CLERK)
ORDINANCE NO. ____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 675 RESPECTING ENFORCEMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE AND FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, HOUSING, FIRE CODE AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS OF THE TOWN OF VIDALIA’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTION 2.B, PARAGRAPH 3
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Vidalia, Louisiana, in regular session, duly convened as the governing authority of said municipality, that:
WHEREAS:
1)This proposed ordinance was previously introduced at the September 9th,2025 regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen;
2)Due notice of the introduction of this proposed Ordinance was advertised in the official journal on the 17th day of September, 2025; and
3)A public hearing was held by the Board of Aldermen on the 14th day of October, 2025;
NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby declared and ordained that:
SECTION 2.B(3) is hereby revised to add the following subparagraph:
“(h) determine whether vacant residential or commercial property is “blighted” as defined by R.S. 33:1374(B)(1), or “abandoned” as defined by
R.S. 33:4720.59(D)(2).
All other provisions of the foregoing Ordinance No. 675 shall remain in full force and effect.
The foregoing ordinance was read and considered, and the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSTAINING:
ABSENT:
WHEREUPON, the Mayor declared the foregoing ordinance to be duly adopted this 14th day of October, 2025.
______________________________ _________________________
PIARA WILSON, MUNICIPAL CLERK BUZ CRAFT, MAYOR
2024-2025 APPROVED HYDRO PROJECTS
2024-2025
Fiberglass Backboards for Basketball Courts 5,000
Baloon Race Weekend Festival 50,000
Riverfront Entrance Enhancement 250,000
Big Screen TV at Convention Center 25,000
Paint Interior at Convention Center 140,000
Payoff Transmission Line 6,000,000
Camera Project 248,000
Tree Removal 100,000
Council on Aging Building Repairs 50,000
Polk Park Phase II-Update Tennis Courts 100,000
Polk Park Phase II-Community Garden Pavillion 1,000,000
D.A. Biglane Road Improvements 3,500,000
Trash Can Program 200,000
Benches at Basketball Court 2,000
30’ LED Laser Christmas Tree 75,000
Youth Summer Program 5,000
Architect/Engineering plans for old water plant building 100,000
11,850,000
10/15 $330